Industry News
Snow has been slow to blanket Big Bear, California, this year, but big changes are on the horizon for the area’s interconnected ski scene. Bear Mountain, a cornerstone of Big Bear Mountain Resorts, has introduced its first new chairlift in three decades: the Midway lift. This high-speed, six-seat marvel carries skiers over 2,500 feet in as little as 2.5 minutes and is designed to elevate the skiing experience at Bear Mountain. The resort has invested $10.2 million in this state-of-the-art lift, showcasing Alterra Mountain Co.’s commitment to enhancing the Big Bear ski experience.
However, the Midway lift is only part of a much larger vision that entails seamlessly connecting Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Together, these two resorts offer a range of terrain suitable for beginners and experts alike. While currently connected by a free shuttle bus, Alterra has proposed a bold plan to link the two with a pair of lifts—dubbed “Big Bear Connect”—and additional amenities to allow skiers and snowboarders to move between the mountains effortlessly.
This ambitious project, which isn’t new, is detailed in the Big Bear Mountain Resort Master Development Plan and requires approval from the U.S. Forest Service, which manages much of the land. The proposal includes adding 300 acres to the resorts’ permits, developing a skier bridge over the existing mountain road, and building a Goldmine Mountain Lodge with dining options at Bear Mountain. Plans also call for 60 acres of new trails, a zipline system, 12 mountain biking trails, a mountain coaster, and 1,400 new parking spaces. These upgrades aim to transform the guest experience while minimizing environmental disruption, with only 100 acres of a “disturbance footprint” to be expected.
The connection could dramatically change how skiers and snowboarders enjoy Big Bear’s slopes, eliminating the need for shuttles and creating a cohesive experience between the two resorts. Both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are already celebrated for their diverse offerings, with Bear Mountain catering to freestyle enthusiasts and Snow Summit providing a balanced mix of trails for all skill levels. The proposed lifts, averaging 4,250 feet in length, would make navigating the mountains more convenient, offering a continuous, expansive skiing adventure.
While the project has garnered excitement, it has also faced concerns from locals regarding increased traffic and the strain on infrastructure. Some residents worry that an influx of visitors could overwhelm local roads, especially during peak winter weekends. Others, however, view the connection as a long-overdue improvement that will enhance the region’s appeal and competitiveness in the ski industry.
As skiers and snowboarders try out the new Midway lift this season, the broader vision of a fully integrated Big Bear Mountain Resort moves closer to reality. If approved, the Big Bear Connect lifts could redefine the region’s ski culture, blending the best of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit into one seamless, unforgettable experience. For now, visitors can look forward to improved facilities and the promise of even bigger adventures ahead.
Fantastic idea, this is much closer for people to go to then Mammoth, upgrades in Big Bear are needed for the whole town, we need this.
You posted the Snow Valley trail map (which you can clearly see on the map), not the Snow Summit trail map. Snow Valley is nearby, but many miles away.
Thank you. I swapped it out.